Periods of Play

Water
polo is divided up into four quarters of 8 minutes of actual playing
time per quarter, i.e. the clock stops for fouls, time-outs, injuries
etc.. This means a total playing time of 32 minutes. However, a game
normally lasts about one hour.

Fundamentals

Players must not touch the bottom of the pool

The ball must be held and caught in only one hand (except goalkeepers)

The ball may not be punched

You cannot hold the ball under the water while in contact with another player

You cannot take up position within the opponents two metre line unless behind the ball

Violent conduct or dissent will not be tolerated

Team

A water
polo team consists of 13 players, at least one of which will be a
goalkeeper. Seven players may be in the water at any one time, one of
which will be a goalkeeper.

Players must not stand or touch the bottom of
the pool which along with the considerable holding and pushing that
occurs, means that a great deal of stamina is required.

Substitutions of one player for another are
frequently made for that reason. This may be done between periods,
following a goal, during a time-out, or during the game at the re-entry
area.

Players wear caps, usually white for the
home team and blue for the visitors, with red caps reserved for
goalkeepers. These incorporate numbers one to thirteen, and include
ear-guards and usually some shock absorption to the forehead.

Playing the Game

The
primary aim of the game is to get the ball into your opposition's goal
as many times as possible. One point is awarded for every goal scored.

Water polo is a physical sport where players
will push against, and hold each other in an attempt to gain possession
of the ball. Intentionally kicking or striking another player, holding
them back, sinking them, holding them under, or swimming on their back
would be foul play leading to a ‘major foul’ exclusion.

Any player committing a major foul will be
excluded for 20 seconds, leaving the pool at the re-entry point without
interfering with play. The player may return before the 20 second
period has expired if a goal is scored, or his/her team regains
possession.

Any player committing three major fouls during a match is expelled for the remainder of the game.

Each team is
permitted possession of the ball for a maximum of 30 seconds before
releasing a shot at goal. In default of this, possession passes to the
other team.

Referees, normally
two, take charge of the game to assure fair play. They are positioned
one on each side of the pool, and their responsibilities change with
possession and direction of play. As with other sports, the referees'
decisions are final.

If an ordinary foul is committed, a free
throw will be awarded from where it occurred or further back in the
territory of the team to which the the free throw has been awarded.
This must be taken immediately, and opposition players must not
interfere until the ball has been released. A free throw can be played
to oneself, but if so, no shot can be made on goal unless immediately
from outside the five metre line.